National ADAPT mourns the loss of civil rights giant and disability rights community member, Representative John Lewis. As a leader of the Civil Rights Movement, his work and values inspired the founding of ADAPT and heavily impacted the work we continue to do. Many members of ADAPT have fond memories of running into Representative Lewis on the Hill where he often asked about the good trouble of the day and cheered us on. A tried and true activist, Lewis spoke several times at ADAPT rallies and bolstered the spirits of those in attendance. As a disability rights champion, he fought for legislation that supported the community and made impassioned speeches on the House floor in support of disability issues. During one such speech regarding his opposition to HR 620 the ADA Education and Reform Act, Representative Lewis said, “There is no place in our country for the burden to be placed upon those whose rights have and will be violated time and time again.” A statement he held true to as he continued to lift the voices of those who were too often silenced.
At times like this, ADAPT strives to fight with the same spirit of Representative Lewis’ activism for those whose rights are under attack. We hope to make the good trouble he always called us to make. This enormous loss weighs heavily on our hearts.
Rest in Power Representative Lewis.